Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes that Manchester United will never be able to replicate the Sir Alex Ferguson years, reports the Daily Express.
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Manchester United hero SLAMS manager Louis van Gaal
Current manager Louis van Gaal has been criticised this season for the style of play he has implemented, as well as disappointing performances in the cup competitions. This is similar to David Moyes’ tenure in the last campaign, which was dogged by media and fan pressure heaped on the Scot.
However, Carragher thinks that Red Devils fans need to lower their expectations for the immediate future, there is hope things could turn around, should the 63-year-old be given time to bed in at Old Trafford.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “It will never been the same as it was under Fergie. You’re talking about a club that had just one manager for 26 years; a manager who had his own way of doing things, his own way of seeing things – just like any boss. Of course, United are used to fighting for the title. Now they’re fighting for the top four.”
He continued: “That’s been the difference since Sir Alex Ferguson left; it just shows you the impact he had on that club because last season, especially, most of the players Ferguson had were still there. Van Gaal has changed quite a lot around, brought in a lot of players. People might say we’re not seeing his side play the Manchester United way, but have the players been playing as well as they can do?
“United teams in the past have always wanted to go forward a bit earlier; Van Gaal plays a safer, more possession-based game than Sir Alex. But as the Dutchman beds in a bit more and gets another summer under his belt, I reckon we’ll see more of the old Manchester United.”
The Mancunian side next play against Tottenham on Sunday.
The match is effectively a six-pointer in the race for the Premier League top four, with United dropping out of the Champions League qualification places should they lose. They also have another huge match before the end of the month against Liverpool, which could have similar repercussions should they be defeated.